Patty Blue Hayes experienced anxiety,
fear and sadness when she was going
through a divorce. A few drops of lavender
spray helped her calm down and relax for
a few hours at a time. “Just the whi; of
lavender oil had an immediate e;ect,” says
the California-based author of Wine, Sex
and Suicide: My Near Death Divorce (Blue
Hayes Publishing ;;;;; not available
at Costco).

Rosemary. Known as the “herb of
remembrance,” refreshing and woodsy-scented rosemary has been traditionally
used to improve mental sharpness.

According to the University of MarylandMedical Center, rosemary is used in aroma-therapy to soothe stress and enhance memoryand concentration. “Rosemary also has anti-oxidant properties that help alleviate manyrespiratory and digestive issues,” saysSeattle-based Ti;any Cruikshank, a healthand wellness expert, and the founder of YogaMedicine, a yoga training business.

Spearmint. A few drops of spearmint
oil in the bathtub can soothe tense muscles
and nerves. It also helps relax the brain.

“Spearmint contains natural menthol.

Menthol’s ability to soothe cramps makes
spearmint a top calming oil,” says Janice
Rosenthal, an aromatherapy expert based
in California.

Tea tree. Although tea tree oil is used
to treat fungal and bacterial infections, it
works well with other calming essential oils
for unwinding and gently lifting spirits. As
early as ;;;;, a survey published in Nursing
Standard said that aromatherapy with
lavender, tea tree and rosemary oils led to
a decrease in psychological stress and
an increase in mood scores.

Ylang-ylang. Exotic and intensely
fragrant ylang-ylang oil has been trusted
from ancient times to brighten dull skin
and calm the mind. “Ylang-ylang aroma has
been shown to calm the nervous system
with lower heart rate and decreased blood
pressure,” says Mangat. “Lavender and
ylang-ylang are my favorites and gentle
go-to oils for mind and emotions that need
soothing and relaxation,” says Artemis.